Woman in Deer Park dog deaths 'in over her head'

A Deer Park woman arrested on charges of animal cruelty after officials said they found at least 17 dead dogs at her pet rescue operation had gotten in her over head, her estranged husband said.

Authorities said Diane Eldrup, 48, who ran Muddy Paws Dog Rescue from her home on the 20400 block of North Rand Road, was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

Kurt Eldrup, her estranged husband, said he had gone to the home, accompanied by police and a court order, to retrieve belongings when the dead animals were discovered.

Animal control authorities said they rescued four live dogs and two cats but found at least 17 dead dogs and two dead birds at the shelter Thursday.

Diane Eldrup appeared in court Friday, and her bond was set at $250,000, police said.

Kurt Eldrup said Friday that he and his wife ran a successful pet grooming and boarding business on the property for 12 years.

But he said a long struggle with local officials in Deer Park and neighboring Kildeer over the couple's hopes to sell the property to a developer put a strain on their finances, their marriage and his wife's health.

"Diane used to take great care of the dogs," he said. But since the couple separated about two years ago, and the grooming and kennel business shifted to a dog rescue operation, she "got in her over head," Kurt Eldrup said Friday.

Kurt Eldrup said he had put about $500,000 into the business over the years but was shocked at the condition of the property this week. He said he hadn't been inside for about two years.

"I'd maintained it immaculately. It was a paradise. Now it was 180 degrees different," he said.

Kurt Eldrup said he believed many of the animals his wife was housing had been rescued from downstate shelters that euthanize animals. He said she was trying to save their lives.

Police and animal control officials were checking the animals for microchips to determine whether any had rightful owners or whether further information can be obtained.

The living animals were emaciated and dehydrated, said Lake County Animal Control spokeswoman Leslie Piotrowski, adding that they were being held at the agency's Mundelein facility.

The dead animals likely died of starvation, she said.

Diane Eldrup remained in jail late Friday and was due to appear in court again Tuesday.